In business — as in the rest of life — disagreements are inevitable. But not every business dispute has to lead to a time-consuming and potentially expensive court fight. There are times you need a court to decide who is right, but in many (and maybe most) cases mediation can help the parties find a solution themselves.
Understanding the Basics of Business Mediation
In mediation, parties work with a person trained to serve as a neutral. Sometimes the parties provide written background information before the mediation, helping the mediator see the scope and context of the disagreement. That can help a mediator plan the mediation session, to flag questions that might help the parties find a path to agreement, and maybe to see common ground the parties weren’t able to find themselves.
At the mediation session, the parties share their versions of events. Where appropriate, the mediator prompts with questions and seeks clarification. This is often the first time parties get a chance to really hear what is motivating the other side, and to perhaps reconsider their perspective with the benefit of new information.
The Business Mediator’s Role
Mediation isn’t about winning or losing, and the mediator isn’t there to tell the parties who’s right and who’s wrong. Nor is it a mediator’s job to tell the parties what their settlement should be — or even if they should settle at all. Mediation is about empowering you to decide if agreement is possible, and the mediator’s role is to guide the parties through the process of making that decision for themselves. Mediators will ask the parties questions — sometimes tough questions — to help them explore the reasons for their disagreement and consider new ways out of the dispute. When conversation stalls, the mediator might see a need for a break or might have a suggested approach they were able to see because they’re not personally invested in the disagreement. If the parties do reach agreement, the mediator will help them clarify its terms and work through the details. The mediator does not influence the outcome but instead serves as a guide to ensure the parties work toward their own solution.
Learn More About Business Mediation Today
If you are struggling with a business-related dispute, consider contacting a skilled Minneapolis mediator to learn more about the process. The mediator can give you a clearer picture of how they would approach your dispute and support your journey towards a satisfying resolution. Many people who find success in mediation report greater satisfaction over the outcome, as they’ve played a direct role in shaping the resolution. Learn more about how mediation could help you achieve your goals today.
Call Rubric Legal LLC today at (612) 465-0074 to learn more about the mediation process in Minneapolis and St. Paul.